… were then carried around the village to singing and elaborate pageantry. …

Emergency services, local authorities, tourism bodies and, most importantly, festival goers hailed the returning Celtic festival at Uisneach as a triumph. With OAP?s and children granted free entrance to the event, there was an unrivalled mix of generations on the hillside, soaking up what the Irish Independent declared as ?a festival with a difference?. The Irish Times added the ?enchanted? festival was ?a source of hope?. The regional press too was united in its praise with the Westmeath Examiner hailing it as the most significant cultural event in the region in centuries. Radio stations also buzzed with great reports.

Garda? reported no arrests and the ambulance services also declared a clean bill of health with no major incidents reported. Hotels throughout Westmeath all reported full houses, with B&B?s also painting a similar picture. Midlands Tourism officer Rhona Rogers said the ?stunning event? gave the region a ?significant economic and tourism boost at a time when it is needed most?. Speaking on behalf of F?ilte Ireland, Rory McCarthy said he was ?very impressed? with the festival.

The festival culminated with a spectacular fire ceremony and dazzling fire parade, which was led by the winners of the 2010 Dublin St. Patrick?s Day Parade, the LUXe group. The colourful pageant featured night floats and hundreds of supremely talented fire performers, musicians and other performers. Our thanks must go to all the incredible fire performers who took part ? From Babylon?s Inferno to the Stagecraft group, from Lisa Dunne and her crew to the Galway gang we are eternally indebted.

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